Polar Sets New Standard for Cycling Computers with GPS

26/01/2014

The new Polar V650 brings together all the essential features ambitious cyclists need to boost their performance

Kempele, Finland – 26 January, 2014 – Polar, the leading manufacturer of heart rate monitors and training computers, rolls out a new high-end cycling product. Polar V650 is a state-of-the-art bike computer designed for devoted cyclists who want to analyze every aspect of their riding and to get an edge over their competitors. Its integrated GPS lets them follow their ride on the large 2.8" color touch screen and track their speed, distance and route. It also features easy-to-use route tracking guidance as well as the most accurate altitude data with the built-in barometric pressure sensor.

Powered by Polar's advanced sports technology, Polar V650 has an innovative, functional and modern product design. Streamlined and light (only 120g), the product is easy to attach to the bike with the new bike mount. From the big color display, cyclists can see how they are doing at a glance and switch between views even at high speed with a touch of the screen or by swiping the screen. They can also arrange the information on the display as they like and choose which details are shown during the ride. Moreover, the front-mounted smart visibility LED light turns on automatically in low-light conditions, enhancing visibility and allowing the rider to be seen when riding in the dark.

Besides its versatile GPS functions, Polar V650 is packed full of Polar Smart Coaching features that meet the needs of professional athletes and demanding amateurs alike. When used with the Polar H6 or H7 Bluetooth Smart heart rate sensor, cyclists can see the health and fitness benefits of training at different intensities, find out how it affects their body and see how long it takes for them to recover and be ready to train again. What is more, Polar V650 is fully compatible with Bluetooth Smart cycling speed, cadence and power sensors.

Polar V650 can be used together with the free Polar Flow web service, where riders can plan and analyze all the details of their training. The Polar Flow mobile app will be updated later in 2014 so that it will also be compatible with Polar V650, allowing users to wirelessly sync and see all their cycling data on the go.

Marco Suvilaakso, Group Product Director at Polar, says: "We're excited to bring cycling enthusiasts our most advanced bike computer to date. Polar V650 expands our top product line-up and is much more than just a great device: it is an updatable platform that is part of a whole new connected training system. The combination of the V650, the Polar Flow web service and the smart phone connectivity will deliver a great experience. You can always learn more about the rides you have completed, see feedback about training load and recovery, and share ride data and information on routes."

Polar V650 has been engineered and designed to make it the highest quality product of its kind. Feature highlights include: altitude (barometer), ascent/descent, inclinometer, temperature, real-time VAM and altitude compensated kcal, heart rate, bike speed and cadence, future-proof software that is easy to update or upgrade at home via the Internet to make sure it always contains the latest improvements, 10-hour battery life in training mode, charging and data transfer with standard micro USB cable, display view customization and creation of bike profiles, free use of the Polar Flow web service, and seamless connectivity with Bluetooth Smart to cycling sensors and the Polar Flow mobile app.

Polar V650 will be available around the world in April. The suggested retail price is €219,90 and €269,90 when the set includes a heart rate sensor. Support for the Bluetooth Smart cycling power feature will be available in June 2014 via a free update. A separate bike mount for time trial and triathlon bikes will be available later in 2014. Polar V650 will be shown for the first time to press and customers at the ISPO trade show in Munich on 26-29 January.

About Polar

Founded in 1977, Polar Electro invented the world’s first wireless heart rate monitor. Since then the company has been leading the sports instruments and heart rate monitoring category through its in-depth understanding of human physiology, performance, and the environment. Polar works in close cooperation with leading sports institutes and governing bodies, and has, thus, become widely recognized as the pioneer and world’s leader of heart rate monitoring and fitness evaluation equipment.

Headquartered near Oulu in Finland, the company operates internationally in more than 80 countries and its products are sold through over 35,000 retailers globally.

Today, the award-winning Polar training computers are the number one choice among consumers worldwide. To learn more about how the wide range of Polar products and services can help you achieve your training goals and make your fitness story a success, please visit www.polar.com.